We encourage the courage to start anew.
The Joachim Herz Foundation is committed to innovation and the transfer of knowledge from cutting-edge research so that more research findings are put into practice and generate societal benefits. The Foundation strengthens startup ecosystems and supports a new generation of entrepreneurial talent in developing radical innovation and sustainable business models. By supporting young professionals in a professional world undergoing transformation through AI and digitalization, the foundation helps to revitalize vocational education. The goal is to enable effective solutions to current challenges such as climate protection, resource scarcity, and the shortage of skilled workers. The foundation’s activities draw inspiration from the U.S. and strengthen the German-American dialogue. The Joachim Herz Foundation was established in Hamburg in 2008 and is one of Germany’s largest foundations. Together with seven other foundations, the Joachim Herz Foundation offers a cross-organizational trainee program to motivated and ambitious young professionals who wish to gain practical experience in foundation management. For this program, we are seeking a dedicated
What's it about?
As part of an 18-month program, you will gain hands-on experience with the areas of work and the activities of the Joachim Herz Foundation as well as two other foundations. You will be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of operational and grant-making programs and will contribute to their substantive and strategic development. In addition, you will become familiar with key staff departments across the foundations. Regular development and goal-setting meetings, as well as professional development opportunities, round out the program. The cross-foundation trainee program is a training partnership between the Joachim Herz Foundation and seven pool foundations. You cannot apply directly to the pool foundations; they are available as external placements. If you apply to us for the program and are selected, you will spend the majority of your trainee program at the Joachim Herz Foundation. You will complete your external placements at two of these pool foundations:
Your Profile:
A completed college degree (Diplom, Magister, or Master’s) or comparable degree with above-average academic performance. We welcome applicants from all fields of study
Initial practical experience as well as extracurricular involvement
High level of commitment, strong ability to learn, and openness to new topics, perspectives, and changes
Reliable, independent, and structured work style, along with a high degree of personal responsibility and self-management
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, combined with high levels of social and intercultural competence
A basic understanding of analytical and conceptual thinking, an interest in solving complex problems, and an openness to innovative approaches and new ideas
Interest in driving tasks forward in a goal-oriented manner, thinking entrepreneurially, and gradually taking on more responsibility
Excellent written and spoken German and English skills
Benefits
In-depth onboarding at the Joachim Herz Foundation and our partner foundations
Systematic development of your professional expertise through diverse assignments in projects and day-to-day operations
Active support in expanding your skills through participation in continuing education programs
Comprehensive knowledge of the functions and operations of multiple foundations
Opportunity to build a cross-foundation network through practical placements at several major German foundations
Competitive compensation, ranging from 38,000 to 42,000 EUR per year